Spotlight On Sports Nutrition

Signature Ingredients

In the past decade, the US market on sports nutrition has stepped up its game and is fast gaining speed in popularity and market value. According to the report by Zion Market Research published in 2016 the market for global sports nutrition accounted for US 28.37 billion and is expected to reach US 45.27 billion by 2022.

What exactly is sports nutrition and why is it so popular?

Simply put, sports nutrition refers to the use of vitamins, minerals and supplement to improve overall health, muscle growth, strength, endurance and performance. It is said that the expanding sports nutrition consumers is the force behind the increase in its popularity. This is a positive step, as consumers are becoming more and more aware of obesity, the global epidemic. Consumers, with better health in mind, are now getting involved in sports and opting for nutritious and healthier options.

With so many products in all shapes and sizes from energy drinks and bars to protein powders available in the market, individuals need to be educated on what to take before and after exercise to cater to their needs, optimize performance and assist recovery.

The Work Out Diet

Protein and nutritional needs depend on the type and intensity of one’s physical activity and can vary between a distance runner and a body builder. Currently, the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight but for individuals who are exercising, the International Society of Sport Nutrition recommends 1.4 to 2.0 g/kg/day.

Pre-Exercise

Generally, what you eat prior to your workout should provide fuel and boost performance. The two most common nutrients are protein, which optimizes muscle performance and carbohydrates, which are a good source of fuel. Other supplements commonly used before exercise include:

  • Caffeine, a major ingredient in most pre-workout supplements, which known to enhance performance and endurance while delaying perception of fatigue and decrease perception of pain. Caffeine is found in green tea and green coffee.
  • Beet, wheatgrass and tart cherry are known to enhance performance.
  • Some studies show that Maca root powder may also improve endurance.

Post-Exercise

What you eat after a workout is important to facilitate and shorten recovery time.

  • Protein after exercise is integral for muscle building, decrease recovery time and relieve muscle soreness.
  • Ingestion of carbohydrates replenishes used glycogen.
  • Hydration is important to replenish electrolyte and mineral loss and coconut is well-known for its high level of electrolytes.

NP Nutra® supplies a wide range of ingredients which can be used for sports nutrition products, including:



References:

https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1550-2783-4-8
http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/how-much-protein-do-you-need-every-day-201506188096
https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-016-0138-7
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464612000436
Sports Nutrition Market (Sports Food, Sports Drink & Sports Supplements) Global Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2016 – 2022 Harvard Health Publications